RE: Mandated Reporting Laws

[Carol A Burnside <CBurnside@xxxxxxxx>]

Iowa Code specifically states the consequences of failure to report or
interfering with someone else making a report- it is a misdemeanor, they can
get jail time and/or a fine, and they can be liable for civil damages.  

-----Original Message-----
From: Swtp5@aol.com [mailto:Swtp5@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 03, 2002 8:17 PM
To: Child Maltreatment Researchers
Subject: Mandated Reporting Laws 


Hi everyone -

I am seeking some help. We are having a HUGE problem with mandated reporters
(MR) not following the legal guidelines, i.e., not calling in reports at all
or in a timely fashion; simply sending in the reporting form; or calling
after several months of witnessing behavioral issues (i.e., a teacher who
watched a child sexually act out all year). I am trying to determine how
other states/counties/jurisdictions deal with this problem. We inform MRs
who have not followed these guidelines verbally, but, quite frankly, they
could care less. 

Please help!!

thanks

Beverly